Sunday Snippet: The Truth Hurts

Greetings! It'sbeen another busy week and I'm still excited about my ongoing projects. They'recompletely different genres and it's fun to have that variety while working.

Somewhat limitedviewing week again. I've been in a place where background noise is more distractingthan helpful, which occasionally happens. I notice it more on day when I didn'tget solid sleep the night before.

I did catch most ofPennyworth. I have the last act of the episode to watch. This show isdark in all the ways I like shows to be. And I love getting to see Alfredactually grieve. And having Ripper be the catalyst that pulls him out is kindof a master stroke. Such a great show!

Also continued my BattlestarGalactica rewatch. We started season two and the first ten episodes are soterrific. The second half of the season is also excellent, but I remember somuch about those first ten.

That's pretty muchit for the life update. I am hoping to get some gardening in this week so staytuned.

Tonight's post isfrom The Truth Hurts, a novella that brings a couple back together afterone receives bad news.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Mardi Darr discovers her current lover is an enemy agentwith an enchanted chip in his head. She gives the okay for a risky surgery, andit lands him in a submersion chamber with no brain activity. Heth Santiago isresponsible for Mardi being with Staz and he needs to help Mardi accept thetruth … even though it hurts like a bitch.

And a preview snippet…

Halfway through the second bottleof Abernath, Mardi finally chewed through her chaotic feelings. "I'm notpissed about the surgery, you know. I enjoyed Staz's company, and he was therewhen I needed someone, but … I ruined a man's life." And she lovedHeth.

Always would—even if the stupid manthought she didn't know her own mind.

Heth set his empty glass aside."Hence the reason you're here, drinking to soothe the hurt." He gavea nod of understanding. "What do you want to do after getting stupid drunk?"Leaning back in his chair, he arched his brows.

She shrugged. "Not sure, butplanning revenge sounds pretty good." She'd take on every sorcerer on theplanet if she could.

Heth grunted. "Want somehelp?" He straightened and poured another shot.

She nearly choked on her surprise."Why? You don't even like Staz." A fact he'd made clear more thanonce.

Heth leaned in close. "Likinghim has nothing to do with wanting to help. I love you."

Her mouth dropped open. "Youcan't say that to me. Not now." She shook her head, even while she wantedto bask in his words.

Heth downed his shot. "Yeah,my timing sucks. But I realized how stupid I was right after you got togetherwith Staz." He pinned her with his gaze. "And I wouldn't get in theway of what you two had going on."

She huffed out a breath."Which turned out to be nothing. Or did you miss the part where they usedhim as a pawn?" Somehow that fact did nothing to ease her guilt.

Heth shook his head. "I definitelydidn't miss that part. But Staz being a pawn rests on my shoulders as much asyours."

Because he walked away. He didn'thave to say the words. His meaning came through every with crystal clarity.

Her shoulders slumped. "I wantto hate you so much right now." But she'd never be able to.

Heth inclined his chin. "Iknow. And I don't blame you. But I will help you seek justice for Staz.I owe both of you that much." He nudged the Abernath toward her.

She shoved the bottle aside."You know what? I'm gonna put everything on the table here. We willget payback for Staz. But we can't do that until you and I work out yourissues with us being a couple." She settled back. "So starttalking."

This story ismaking me happy. I like messy characters because they're fun to write.

 

That's it for thisweek.

Cheers!

Skye